What Are The Types Of Depression
So youve taken the test and may have discovered that you are at risk of having mild to severe depression whats next? In tandem with reaching out to a mental health professional, its important to come to an understanding that depression comes in various forms and may stem from multiple sources or afflictions.
Sometimes, depression may not even have an obvious cause and can linger for a long time for no clear reason.
Types of depression include :
Quiz To Know If You Are Depressed
Quiz To Know If You Are Depressed If you live with depression, you may sometimes find it difficult to carry out daily tasks and responsibilities. Mature is a word you can use to describe activities such as:
Completing these tasks can be difficult if you are experiencing symptoms of depression. Although some of them may feel boring or ordinary, they are important in your daily life.
Types Of Depression Disorder
There are many types of depression, Mild, Medium, and Major. Such disorders have similar symptoms, but there are different symptoms related to each kind of depression.
General symptoms are:
- Appetite and sleep changes
- Concentration or decision-making issues
You may be diagnosed with major depression if you have five or more of those symptoms for two weeks or longer on most days. In this case, you should talk to a mental specialist and use antidepressants. Different types of online quizzes will help you determine if you have any crucial signs of a mental health condition.
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Are There Lab Tests For Depression
Panyawat Boontanom / EyeEm / Getty Images
When you’re ill, your doctor may run a battery of tests to help figure out what’s causing you to feel unwell. In the case of common infections, a simple blood test can make the diagnosis and guide your doctor in prescribing the right treatment.
When you have symptoms of mental illness, however, diagnosis and treatment can be a far more complex process. Promising research is being done, but we don’t yet have a simple blood test that can diagnose depression.
Signs And Symptoms Of Depression
Although there are many types of depression, there are certain symptoms that are common across depressive disorders. These symptoms provide the foundation for depression self-evaluations and diagnostic processes used by mental health professionals.
For example, the PHQ-9 often asks questions such as How often have you been bothered by feeling tired or having little energy? and How often have you caught yourself speaking or moving slower than usual? to assess fatigue, which is a hallmark symptom of depression. The more severe the depression, the more frequently these symptoms tend to occur.
You may have depression if you have experienced at least some of the following symptoms nearly every day for at least two weeks:
- Feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
If you experience suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 273-8255 to speak with a trained counselor and find help near you.
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What Is A Clinical Depression Test
A test for clinical depression helps provide a better understanding of the scope and impact of your depressed mood. The test includes a scale on which to grade various depression symptoms. Your provider will determine your total score, and the total score combined with a clinical interview determines your diagnosis.
Receive Treatment For Your Depression
If you believe you have depression, you are not alone. Since depression is a common condition, experts have developed multiple treatment options to help patients deal with a wide range of symptoms, life experiences, and barriers. The only way to know how to treat your depression is to speak with your doctor.
If you believe you have depression, schedule an appointment with a mental health professional as soon as possible. Your doctor can evaluate your condition, determine which treatment options are right for you, and develop a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms. Through this treatment, you can gain the skills and strategies you need to cope with difficult moments and restore your quality of life.
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Are You Depressed Quiz
Are you in an existential crisis and don’t know what you’re going through? This ‘Are you depressed? ‘ quiz will help you to check the level of your sadness. With this quiz, we will help you understand yourself better and the extent of your mood issues. You must know that procrastination derails the pace at which our life should move. In the end, you may have more clarity about the current state of your mood. Let’s get started with the quiz.
- How many hours do you often sleep a day?
- A.& nbsp
Less than the average person, less than 7 hours.
- B.& nbsp
More than the average person, more than 8 hours.
-
Depends on what activity I have done during the day!
It’s hard to, but if I can occasionally manage to.
Depends on the time of the day.
I can’t concentrate at all!
Yeah, and it takes a while to stop them.
Yes, I can’t seem to control them, either.
Depends on how I’m feeling/how the day went.
No, I don’t tend to think that way.
Yes, nobody can see how I’m feeling!
No, I’ll let people know how I’m feeling.
I can’t hide my emotions.
Why would I need to?
Lately, I haven’t been eating well.
My eating has increased a bit lately.
Feeling Depressed Or Suffering From Depression
We often get mixed up between low mood and unhappiness and depression. The two things are very different. Depression isnt about feeling unhappy, its feeling youll never be happy again, explains Colin Grange, Psychologist and Clinical Director of Lifeworks.
If youre feeling low, is it starting to interfere with your day to day life? Are you not doing things that you used to do? Are you losing motivation in and enjoyment of life? Are you starting to not enjoy your hobbies? Is everything becoming an effort?
People suffering from clinical depression often experience a range of symptoms both physical and emotional which can interfere with day to day life. Discovering whether you are suffering from one or more of these symptoms could be an important step towards getting the help you need.
Am I depressed ?
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You have some symptoms of depression. Right now, these symptoms are likely causing problems in your daily life. These problems may be big, like making it hard for you to take care of everyday activities and enjoy the things you usually do. You should get help right away.
How Can You Spot Depression In Others
Spotting depression in others isnt quite as easy as taking a depression test or matching the symptoms to your own feelings. But, there are ways to spot depression in others including, but not limited to, looking for those signs mentioned above.
You may see that the individual has stopped taking care of themselves. They may clean less frequently, not bother making themselves look nice, and wear the same clothes for days in a row. This can also be seen in their home, where they might have stopped cleaning and allowed it to fall into disarray.
Withdrawing at social events is another sign. If the individual comes to events but rarely joins in, or stops coming, you should start to look out for other symptoms.
If you spot any signs of self-harm, reckless behavior, and negative self-talk, you shouldnt let them slide. These can all be symptoms of serious depression, and to leave them unchecked isnt a good idea.
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Diagnosing Depression And The Physical Exam
Again, the goal with a physical exam is usually to rule out another medical cause for depression. When performing the physical exam, the doctor may focus primarily on the neurological and endocrine systems. The doctor will try to identify any major health concerns that may be contributing to symptoms of clinical depression. For example, hypothyroidism — caused by an underactive thyroid gland — is the most common medical condition associated with depressive symptoms. Other endocrine disorders associated with depression include hyperthyroidism — caused by an overactive thyroid — and Cushing’s disease — a disorder of the adrenal gland.
Many central nervous system illnesses and injuries can also lead to depression. For example, depression might be associated with any of the following conditions:
- Central nervous system tumors
Corticosteroid medications such as prednisone, which people take for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or asthma, are also associated with depression. Other drugs, including illegal steroids, excessive alcohol use,Ã and amphetamines and over-the-counter appetite suppressants, may cause depression on withdrawal.Ã
Most Common Types Of Depression
Everyone feels sad at times. Sometimes, when people say Im depressed, what they actually mean is that they are feeling sad or blue. There are major differences between feeling sad and having depression.
Major depression disorder is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. In some cases, MDD can be seriously disabling and interfere with or limit the ability to function in daily life.
Clinical depression is a common, serious mood disorder. It affects how people feel, think, and deal with daily life. Among other symptoms, depression can affect sleep, eating habits, and work-life. Depression is usually diagnosed as clinical depression these symptoms occur for at least two weeks.
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I A Clinically Depressed Person Took Googles New Depression Quiz
Major depression can interfere with your work, recreation, sex, sleep, and motivation. Its hard to live your life when you dont feel like yourself. With suicidal thoughts, it can be dangerous.
Antidepressants are necessary in some cases and have saved countless lives. But studies have also shown that, like Prozac or similar drugs, cognitive behavioral therapy and personality therapy can reduce depression within weeks. And counselingunlike medication alonecan give you lasting tools to combat depression. Studies show that patients who attend or participate in counseling are less likely.
Some people inherit genes that predispose them to depression. However, these genes do not mean you will develop depression, just that you are at greater risk. If you stay active, maintain strong social relationships, and have an optimistic view of the world, youre likely to live a meaningful and active liferegardless of your genetic makeup.
Dysthymia, or mild depression, literally means impaired spirit and is defined as satisfied and chronic. This form of chronic depression, which often lasts for years, is likely to go undiagnosed. If you dont have symptoms of major depression but have been anxious, restless, hopeless, and sad for two years or more, consider scheduling an appointment with a mental health professional. With their help, you are more likely to overcome your emotional turmoil before it gets too deep.
How Depression Is Diagnosed According To The Dsm 5
Set achievable goals along the way to help you achieve the end result. Try to complete small, on-time tasks every hour or every day until the project is complete. It will help you manage stress and channel your energy effectively.
Try not to force yourself into too many activities, events and obligations. Give yourself time to reduce and maintain other important aspects of your health.
If you have too much work to do at your job, talk to your supervisor and co-workers about reworking your workload.
Eating healthy, exercising and having fun are important to staying physically and emotionally healthy. Try to leave room in your daily life for important aspects of self-care.
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How To Find The Right Medication
When trying to find the best medications to treat depression, asking for recommendations from family and friends who have had positive results from an antidepressant might be a helpful place to start. The drug that did well for them may be successful in other cases. Dont get discouraged if the first drugs do not provide optimal results. Several prescriptions, or a combination of several medications, might need to be tried before results are seen.
Patience is key! Some medications need a few weeks or longer to take full effect. It may also take several weeks for the side effects to wind down as bodies metabolize medications at different speeds. Heredity can play a part in how antidepressants affect the body. Genetic blood or swab tests can help doctors determine how individuals might respond to certain antidepressants. Keep in mind, other factors besides genes can affect responses to medication. This should be discussed with a doctor.
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Risk Factors For Depression
Depression is caused by a mix of heredity, physical, and mental factors. Environment also plays a role. Depression can set in at any age however, it is most common in adults. Depression looks different in children and teens. Rather than a sad mood, children and teens become highly irritable.
In middle-age and older adults, depression can follow the development of a serious illness. Older people with cancer, diabetes, and heart disease are at risk for depression. If depression came first, it often worsens after sickness. In some cases, medications taken for physical illnesses can have side effects that lead to depression.
Other risk factors include:
- Major life changes
Ways To Find Motivation While Depressed
Do not hide your feelings and symptoms of depression, but try to talk about them with your loved ones. Its helpful to talk to people in your circle about the stress in your life. Relationships provide a give and take that can help you gain perspective and give you helpful advice.
You may also consider joining an online or in-person support group to share advice with others who are going through the same experience as you.
It may seem like taking care of a pet can add a lot of responsibility to your workload, but consider the benefits of having a companion. If your living conditions allow pets and you dont suffer from allergies, then pets may be what you need.
Caring for pets can help you manage depression and stress, anxiety and loneliness. Pets can also help you to continue your daily life, because you have to take care of their needs every day.
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If The Diagnosis Is Depression
Depression is treatable. Consequently, a depression diagnosis can start you on the road to a healthier life without feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness.
Once your doctor makes a depression diagnosis, you need to follow the treatment program to get better. It’s important to take the medications as prescribed. You also need to follow through on making lifestyle changes and working with a psychotherapist if that’s what your doctor recommends. Millions of people with depression suffer needlessly because they don’t get professional help that starts with a doctor’s diagnosis.
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Myth #: You Can Just Snap Out Of It
Depression is a medical condition. Just like other illnesses, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you cannot treat it by telling yourself to snap out of it.24 Depression is not about any one thing for most people. People with depression try to shame or criticize themselves out of it, which can be harmful. Remind yourself that depression is an illness. Work on your treatment plan instead. Be patient!
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Suicide Risks And Antidepressants
Most antidepressants are considered safe. Despite this, the Food and Drug Administration requires all antidepressants to carry a warning. This warns about increased suicide risks in younger people on antidepressants. In some cases, people below the age of 25 may have increased suicidal thoughts or behaviors when taking antidepressants. People of all ages should watch for worsening depression or unusual behavior. If suicidal thoughts happen, get emergency help or talk to a doctor.
Antidepressants are more likely to reduce the risk of suicide for the long-term by improving mood and stopping depressive symptoms. Like any other drug, doctors and patients must balance the benefits against the risks.
The Different Types Of Depression
Depression is classified in a number of ways. The types of depression that this test looks for are: major depression, bipolar disorder, cyclothymia , dysthymia , postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder or SAD. Each one presents different symptoms and represents a distinct diagnosis. You can learn more about each of these types of depression after you take the test and get your results. Please note that other variants of depression exist which are not tested for on this web site.